Happy Friday Daily Groomers!

We’ve been heads-down the past two weeks working on something that feels like a glimpse into the future of grooming.

Our team just launched AI receptionists for 25 grooming businesses—both salons and mobile units.

These virtual receptionists answer calls 24/7, follow your exact process, and cost less than 1% of what you'd pay a human hire. No more missed calls while you’re elbow-deep in a matted groom or on the road managing the business. (more like battling traffic…!)

If your phone rings off the hook and you’re ready to take your time back, we still have a few beta tester slots left.

Want in? 👉 [Book a call with me here.]

It’s wild to think: this wasn’t even possible a year ago.

The industry is changing fast.

In the next 30 years, will we see mobile vans on every block?

Full-service pet paradises on 20+ acres of land? Who knows.

But one thing’s certain—robots and AI will never replace the groomer’s sweet sweet delicate hands. Your job is safe.

And this got me thinking…

This week on the podcast, I sat down with someone who’s lived that evolution: Leslie Weeks, affectionately known as the Grandmother of Grooming.

She opened Toronto’s first grooming salon in the late ’70s, launched one of Canada’s first grooming schools, and founded the country’s only official licensing body for groomers.

This episode is a living history of how grooming has evolved—from pricing to tools, from training to trends.

Here’s a breakdown of THEN vs. NOW, straight from the source:

THEN: Dogs got shaved at the vet vs NOW: Grooming is an art form

In the ’70s, grooming was mostly done by vets with a clipper and a prayer. Leslie was in grad school when she noticed all these “naked” dogs post-shave and thought, I can make them look better. That’s how Pampered Paws was born in 1985—bringing styling and show-quality trims to the everyday pet.

THEN: No one taught grooming vs NOW: Licensing and schools are growing

Leslie had trouble hiring trained staff, so she built her own school in 1986. That wasn’t enough—so she created the National Agency of Pet Grooming Schools, trademarking the title “Licensed Groomer” and establishing formal exams and curriculum. Today, it’s still the only license of its kind in Canada.

THEN: Pricing was unclear vs NOW: Pricing is still scary—but necessary

Leslie says the formula hasn’t changed: overhead ÷ hours worked = your hourly rate. What’s changed is the overhead. With rent hitting $3,500–$5,000/month in cities like Toronto, undercharging isn’t just risky—it’s unsustainable.

THEN: One mobile van in town vs NOW: Mobile grooming is booming

In 1992, Leslie trained Toronto’s first mobile groomer (who drove a Mercedes van). She loved the idea, but worried about water lines freezing in winter. By the early 2000s, mobile took off thanks to better-equipped vans and rising customer demand for convenience.

THEN: Cranks and loud dryers vs NOW: Quiet, safe, and smart equipment

Hydraulic tables, force dryers, and AI-powered photo editing weren’t even ideas back then. Leslie helped toolmakers improve safety and performance. One thing that hasn’t changed? Hand-stripping tools. “The Germans just got it right,” she says.

THEN: Purebreds dominated vs NOW: Doodles everywhere

In Leslie’s early days, it was all Poodles, Schnauzers, and Cockers. Today? It’s Doodle city. She warns about health issues in unregulated mixes: “They don’t live as long. The vet bills are brutal.” Breeding for profit, not quality, is a growing concern.

THEN: One bundled price vs NOW: A la carte pricing rules

In the past, you paid one price and got the works—bath, nails, ears, teeth, cut. Now? Each service is priced separately. Leslie says it’s not just about upselling—it’s how groomers can stay afloat with rising costs.

THEN: Customers wanted clean, safe service vs NOW: They still do (just faster)

Leslie says customers haven’t changed much. They still want to know:

• Where’s my dog being groomed?

• Who’s doing it?

• How clean is it?

• Can I pick up in 30 minutes?

She reminds them, “This isn’t a pizza. You can’t rush art.”

THEN: Inspiration came from the dog show world vs NOW: Mentors are also tech-savvy pros

Leslie credits dog show legends like Joan Huber for shaping her approach to grooming and breeding. Back then, the only way to stay current was to show up in person—at competitions, seminars, and shows.

Today, she celebrates leaders like:

• Eggie Feng, who advocates for groomer protections and helps provide affordable insurance

• Colleen Zuber, who teaches pros how to level up their salon photos and marketing—straight from an iPhone

Now, you don’t have to leave your grooming table to stay connected. With digital communities and resources like The Daily Groomer, mentorship, education, and fresh ideas are only a tap away.

THEN: No one predicted the future vs NOW: The future is wide open

Leslie never imagined poop cleanup services or pet psychologists, but they’re here. Looking ahead, she sees:

• Luxury pet hotels

• Emotional wellness services for pets

• Specialized offerings like physiotherapy and behavioral training

And here’s what I see:

• AI and automation handling most of the back-office tasks for grooming businesses—booking, scheduling, follow-ups, and customer communication.

• Institutional capital flowing into grooming, boarding, and daycare as investors attempt to consolidate the industry.

If you asked 100 people who the biggest brand in grooming is today, you’d probably get 100 different answers—many of them just a shrug. (And please… not Petco 😂😂)

This episode isn’t just an interview—it’s a time capsule, a business masterclass, and a love letter to the grooming industry.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube or Spotify! 👇👇👇

Whatever the next 30 years bring, one thing’s certain: this industry moves forward because of groomers like you. ❤️

For the love of grooming,

Alex 🐶

P.S. What’s changed the most in your time grooming? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your perspective.

🗣️ What People Are Barking About

The best of the best advice or thought provoking topics shared this week online👇

✋The Groomer’s Toolkit

📚 Read - What would you do if you weren’t a groomer? See what 17 groomers had to say in The Daily Groomer Facebook Community!

📺 Watch - Missed our Hiring and Training Workshop? The full 1 hour recording is free - and available now on our YouTube.

🎧 Listen - Shanon Wynings Roberts sits down with Loren Hill Mesquita TONIGHT on the latest episode of The Daily Groomer Podcast.

That’s all folks! Keep calm and groom on 🐶🤘